i3 Detroit is Metro Detroit’s largest community-run DIY workshop. A collision of art, technology, learning, and collaboration. Whatever you want to build, you can do it here. Membership is just $49/Month.

About us

i3Detroit is a non-profit collaborative workspace in Ferndale, MI.

Crafting, woodworking, metal working, electronics, welding, programming, and digital fabrication are just some of the activities that happen at i3Detroit.

Recent Happenings

i3 Detroit will be celebrating Software Freedom Day this year with an event on Saturday, September 21st from 1pm to 7pm!

We will be demonstrating various Linux distributions on popular open hardware platforms like the Raspberry Pi and Beagle Bone Black. We will also have some VIA 6 based mini-ITX systems in varied states of completeness to give away with donation. Additionally we will have some 8GB USB 2.0 drives which we will load with whatever FOSS software you like for a $7 donation, which is just $1 dollar over the best price available for that hardware.

Of course we will be open to any other appropriate activities if there is interest and time.
Maybe we will play with CHIRP, the Free Open Source Software for managing your HAM Radio. Or maybe we’ll be flashing some Androids, don’t worry they love it!

We will also have Pizza available and other food upon request! Soda etc as always is available for 50 cents.

When I was finally cleared to operate the 150W laser cutter affectionately called “Bumblebee”, the first thing I did was to turn in a complete circle, eyeballing everything within walking distance as a potential target for a laser-drilled hole. After making an acrylic coaster and a few boxes, my focus shifted (no pun intended), and I started to think about making things I had a use for… the sorts of things that would not only look good, but would last a long time.

The first project I settled on was an archery bracer, made of buckskin suede. Rather than start with an existing pattern, this was created from scratch in Illustrator. For the 3/16th of an inch thickness of suede, a series of 1.5 mm holes in the pattern was enough allow the pattern parts to be laced together. 3/8″ holes were cut to place grommets in the suede, providing lacing positions. The pattern consisted of an outer wrap, intended to go all the way around the arm, and an inner piece which would sit flush against the forearm. Between them, a series of 10 “plates” of chipboard would provide armoring, absorbing the shock of impact in the event that the bowstring hit the bracer.

The armor bits were cut first from chipboard, and then the buckskin was placed into the cutter. Soft leather naturally has a wave pattern to it unless its been laid or pressed completely flat, so it’s important to smooth out as many wrinkles as possible prior to starting the cut. Immediately after the cut, the grommets were installed, and the armor bits were tied onto the doubler piece. The rolled edge was whip-stitched by hand and a braided leather cord was used as the lace for the doubler. Project complete!

**** IMPORTANT! When planning to work suede on a laser cutter, remember that the cut edge will be covered in soot from the burn of the laser and cut pieces should be handled as minimally as possible to keep soot from being tracked onto the worked piece. The best remedy for preparing pieces for handling is to cover the entire face of the piece in a layer of corn starch and use a toothbrush to smoothly and evenly brush the starch off of the suede face. The corn starch will carry the soot with it, leaving the edges of the pieces clean.

Upcoming Schedule

You can find all of our happenings here. The calendar includes all of our reoccurring events and classes.

Want to join?

i3 Detroit prides itself on being an open community, but that doesn’t mean anyone can just walk in, hand over $49, and get a key. We like all of our members to come check the space out and meet a few of the members before becoming a part of the community. Our signup process requires prospective members to get familiar with a community-run organization before joining.

Donate

i3 Detroit is always actively seeking Donations and Sponsorship to help continue our growth and educational goals. If you are interested in helping our community we have many options for you to help. Since i3 Detroit is a 501c3 organization your contribution may be tax deductible.

For more information on how to donate head on over to our donations page.

Contact us

For Tours:

i3Detroit is a volunteer community — no staff, no regular business hours! Visitors are welcome, without prior arrangements, when we gather for meetings: on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, starting around 6pm. (The meeting itself starts at 7:30.)

Aside from regular meetings, tours can be arranged, by emailing or posting to the group. We look forward to having you as part of the community!